History

Italo American Club of Rhode Island

The Italo American Club was first established as a society of Italo Americans in 1896. In 1899 they filed it’s charter with the Stale of Rhode Island.  It’s purpose now, as it was then, is to foster a community center where industrious Italian-Americans would honor one another and share common goals familiar to all Italian immigrants who were at that time seeking a new “land of opportunity”.

The Italo American Club of Rhode Island is the oldest Italian chartered club in the United States. The founders were, Henry Caproni, Rinaldo Castiglioni, Gandenzio Gasperi, Vencenzo Giusti, Ottavio Batastini, and Antonio E. Vota. The first president was Dr. Vito Raia in 1896 and 1897. Rinaldo Castiglioni in 1898 and Enrico Caproni in 1889. The club was located on America Street in Providence until the mid 1920’s when the city of Providence purchased the property to enlarge the Kenyon Street School. The 256 Broadway property was purchased and used until 1999 at which time 477 Broadway was purchased, which is now the current location of the club. During the 30’s the Garibaldi Club joined with this Italo American Club.

In 1924, Dr. Tancredi Granata was elected president. For the first time and under his leadership the club entered an era which won for it a national reputation for organizations of it’s kind. He was elected again in 1925, 1930, 1934, 1937, and 1943. No one has been elected to serve so many times before or since as president.

Under his leadership, the Italo American Club war ushered into a golden era, which made it the cultural center of the Italo American community of the state. Internationally known scholars, artists, musicians, and diplomats lectured and were entertained in the club. Plays and minstrels were presented with members participating. The members were offered entertainment the likes of which to this day have not been surpassed by any amateur group for quality of acting and presentation. All the money realized from such projects went to charities. During the depression, many double baskets of food and fruit were distributed to needy families in  Providence. This custom still prevails. Scholarships are now offered to deserving scholars of Italian heritage On Columbus Day each year.

Since 1942, the Italo American Club had added with pride a United States Senator, several Governors, and Mayors along with many State representatives and senators, doctors, lawyers, business leaders, bishops, monsignors, priests, superintendents of schools, surgeons, eye doctors, educators, chemists, jewelry manufacturers, contractors, and business men of all fields.  Today many of the members are young and are continuing the legacy of their heritage.

For those early members who have passed on  and left us this legacy, we are eternally grateful. We pray that the future generations of Italian Americans will continue the tradition of our beloved Italo American Club.

Club Officers